Does Chicago Have a Porch and Roof Repair Program?

If you searched for a Chicago porch and roof program, here is the straight answer: we can confirm a permit fee waiver for some senior homeowners, and we cannot confirm a City grant that pays for the repair itself. Programs open, close and change names, so the City is the source to ask.

What can we confirm?

The Department of Buildings lists a permit fee waiver for long-term senior homeowners, age 65 and older, who meet income criteria. It applies to repairs and alterations on one to three unit residential buildings they live in (Department of Buildings permits page). It changes often, and the page spells out who qualifies, so confirm the current rules with the Department of Buildings before you plan around it.

What it does and does not do:

• It waives permit fees. That is one cost on a porch or roof job, not the repair itself.
• It does not change what needs a permit. A structural porch repair still needs a permit and plans by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer (City porch safety page).
• It does not replace the contractor. The work still has to be done by someone licensed to do it.

What can we not confirm?

We could not verify a current City program that gives out grants or loans for porch or roof repair, so we are not going to name one. Some people remember older City or nonprofit repair programs. Those may have closed, changed, or be run by another agency. If someone quotes you a program name, ask for the agency and a phone number, then check it yourself.

Be careful with anyone who "guarantees" you a grant, asks for money upfront to apply, or wants a signature before explaining the terms. Real programs are run by agencies you can call. Ask your alderperson's office, 311, or the Department of Buildings where to start.

What if a porch or roof is a safety problem right now?

Do not wait on a program for a porch that moves under load or a roof that is leaking into the unit. Unpermitted work can be stopped, and the City says permit fees can be tripled for work done without a permit, plus the stop-work penalty (City of Chicago), so the cheap shortcut costs more later. Express permits cover porch repair, which can keep a repair that fits the rules on a simpler track (Express worktypes).

Two things to do this week:

1. Get the problem looked at and written up, with photos. That helps with any application and with any inspector.
2. Ask the City which programs currently cover your address and income, then ask us what the work involves.

For how porch permits work, read Chicago porch permits. For roofs, see Chicago roofing permits. When you are deciding between fixing and rebuilding, repair or replace a porch lays out the signs. Our porch crew gives free estimates, and our porch guide covers the whole process.

Common questions

This article explains general rules and common situations in Chicago. It is not legal advice, and City rules change. For a specific property, check with the Chicago Department of Buildings or a licensed professional.